I'll be very brief in my remarks and let you know what the state of play is with first nations communities.
Based on FluWatch as of October 24, we are seeing increased levels of influenza-like illness in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland. Overall, the levels of influenza-like illness in first nations communities are following a pattern similar to that observed in B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Most of the cases for on-reserve first nations continue to be mild. And we, of course, will continue to monitor the activity in the community nursing stations.
The immunization program is well under way. Some of the clinics started October 26. This of course depended on the supply of vaccine from the provinces and the provincial sequencing.
I'm happy to say that in the first few days of the vaccine rollout, mass clinics were held in more than 135 first nations communities. We're happy to report that in the case of our region in Alberta, for example, clinics have been held in all 44 first nations communities. They had administered 22,000 doses of vaccine as of late last week, and I know from talking to my regional colleagues today that it's even more now.
We're very happy to see that the response to the clinics has been very positive and that the clinics are generally very well attended. Community leadership has been absolutely invaluable. Volunteers are visible, supporting mass immunization efforts. This is not to exclude people from Health Canada; our health professionals have gone to help their colleagues in three regions.
Despite delays in the rollout of some clinics, we're still looking toward our original timelines of having clinics complete their round of vaccines--this is all of them--by mid- to late November. We hope to be able to finish up required second doses in December.
We will continue to keep committee members updated regarding the vaccine rollout, because I know you're interested in it. So far, though, we're very happy with what's happened.
Thank you.